Troubleshooting Pumpin’ Pal Silicone Flanges

Silicone flanges work very differently than traditional hard plastic flanges. Because of that, the signs you’re used to watching for may mean something different — and many common concerns turn out to be easy fixes.

This guide will help you sort out what’s normal, what may need adjusting, and what to try before changing sizes or giving up.

 

❓ “My flange won’t stay on”

This is usually application, not size.

Most common causes:

• suction is escaping from the other side (unused hose not kinked)
• flange not applied during the “suck” phase
• silicone has oil or soap residue

Try this:

• kink the unused hose or switch to single mode
• apply the flange during the “suck, release” rhythm
• clean flanges with original Dawn (duck label)
• refresh silicone with a baking soda paste if needed

✔️ Correctly applied flanges stay on because of silicone grip, not suction.

 

❓ “Too much tissue is being pulled into the tunnel”

This can happen for two reasons:

1. the flange is too large
2. the nipple isn’t aligned with the tunnel

What’s normal:

• only the tip of the nipple should move
• areola and sides of the nipple should stay still

Try this first:

• focus on aligning the nipple straight down the tunnel, not centered in the funnel opening
• use the roll-back technique so the silicone grips before suction pulls

If tissue still moves after correct application → sizing down may help.

 

❓ “The flange feels comfortable, but output is lower”

This is very common when switching to silicone flanges.

Why it happens:

• silicone feels gentler
• your body may not immediately recognize the stimulation

This does NOT mean the flange isn’t working.

Try this:

• relax shoulders and jaw
• take a slow breath before pumping
• picture your baby nursing (lips, gums, mouth)
• remind yourself this is a feeding, not a task

Letdown is controlled by the subconscious, not suction.

 

❓ “I don’t feel a letdown”

Some parents never feel a letdown — and milk can still flow normally.

Normal signs of letdown include:

• milk beginning to drip or spray
• breasts softening
• audible swallowing if baby is nearby

Feeling a letdown is not required for effective pumping.

 

❓ “The nipple looks white (blanching)”

Blanching can indicate:

• flange is slightly snug
• silicone is gripping too tightly
• flow may be restricted

Try this:

• check alignment first
• if blanching continues and output drops, sizing up may help

Blanching without pain or output change is often temporary during learning.

 

❓ “This feels complicated”

That’s normal.

Silicone flanges:

• require timing
• use grip instead of suction
• feel very different than traditional flanges

Most parents need a few sessions before it clicks.

You are not doing anything wrong.

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💛 Final Reassurance

If you’re paying attention to:

• comfort
• nipple movement
• color
• output

You are doing exactly what you should be doing. This is fine-tuning, not fixing failure — and we’re here to help.